2016

HELD IN SUDBURY, ONTARIO FROM MARCH 17-19, 2016

Elder Gordon Waindubence leads participants in a teaching at the opening of the Niigaanzhaadaa CRE conference

The 4th Annual Canadian Roots Exchange Youth Reconciliation Conference that took place from March 17th to March 19th, 2016 on traditional Anishinabek territory in Sudbury Ontario was a great success! We have received a tremendous amount of positive feedback from youth from across Canada who participated and joined Canadian Roots Exchange in the Niigaazhaadaa, Moving Forward Together Youth Conference.

CRE would not have had such a successful conference without everyone who dedicated their time and effort towards helping us put on this 3 day event. CRE was so happy to welcome over 165 youth from diverse communities from across the country, and thrilled to see young movers and shakers coming together to learn, play, and work towards improving relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Canadian Roots Exchange would like extend our thanks to: the community of Sudbury, the respected Elders who supported and guided us throughout the conference, the volunteers, cultural ambassadors and drummers who kept the Niigaanzhaadaa heartbeat strong, our inspiring keynote speakers: Desmond Cole, Erica Lee, Serena Koostachin and TiCarra Paquet for attending and sharing their experiences, as well as everyone who lead workshops,contributed, participated and took interest in this year’s conference.

In the spirit of the Niigaanzhaadaa Conference,We hope we can all continue to move forward together towards positive, youth-led change!

Niigaanzhaadaa conference closing circle: led by youth leaders and community Elders